How many of you have removed the heel shifter, and put a chrome cover on the spline, Was thinking about it today. The rear of my foot gets in the way, Seems like a super easy fix, Grew up on dirt bikes so its hard to get used to the heel. THANKS for a reply.

 

So far, I have ignored it. But I am probably going to do so. I've been riding bikes for over 30 years, never used a heel shifter on any of them. I guess after that long, just not willing to learn a new trick for this old dawg.

 

Got rid of it. I dont like lifting my leg to shift, I like just pivoting my ankle on my heel, much easier.

 

harley makes a lever that lets the peg swing up out of the way in case some day you do want to use it

 

totally the riders option- I set my toe shifter so that it is close to the floorboard, as is the heel shifter.
It's comfortable for me and I ride all kindsa bikes ( incl. tank shifters) so it's no big deal.

even the Trail 90 has a heel shifter! Honda knew what they were doing.

Mike

 

I did this to mine the day I brought it home....moved it to the outside so I wouldn't have to shift pigeon toed:

 

First heel shifter came on my first floorboards on the 98 Ultra. Everything before was pegs and single shifter.

So I learned to use the heel shifter when I'm on a floorboard bike and miss it when it's not there.

I tend to hang my toes off to the side a bit so room for my heel has never been a problem.

 

You will get mixed opinions here. And it those opinions will probably be predicated on the riders history. As for me, like you, I am a toe shifter. Having to lift your foot to shift is wasted motion, plus that heel shifter traps your foot in one position on the left floorboard. Both of these issues are deal breakers. The heel shifter removal is the first thing I do to any HD I own. But, get ready for all of the heel shifter lovers out there and their ideas on how it's peachy creamy.

 

I cut mine down to about 1/2 inch of bolt covered by fuel hose..When you have floor board extenders you can set it just barely above the boards...I ran with out it for a long time , but with this set up it is not in the way, and you can up shift by just barely pivoting your heel and pressing on it......

 

I bought a used bike from McDaniels HD in South Bend in May '11. In less than a week of having this bike it fell off on SR 2 somewhere between South Bend and La Porte!!!

I've always been a toe-shifter so not a biggie. I bought the chrome spline cover (the one w/grooves in it, looks like a piston) it attaches with a allen set-screw and has been fine since.

You mention being a little cramped up? I was too. Size 12 boots. I got the "Harley Goodies" floorboard extensions and really love 'em.

Good luck,
Ken